Book Review: Dead Money by Jakob Kerr

Publisher Description

Don’t call me a fixer. This isn’t HBO.

In her job as unofficial “problem solver” for Silicon Valley’s most ruthless venture capitalist, Mackenzie Clyde’s gotten used to playing for high stakes. Even if none of those tech-bro millions she’s so good at wrangling ever make it into her pockets.

But this time, she’s in way over her head—or so it seems.

The lightning-rod CEO of tech’s hottest startup has just been murdered, leaving behind billions in “dead money” frozen in his will. As the company’s chief investor, Mackenzie’s boss has a fortune on the line—and with the police treading water, it’s up to Mackenzie to step up and resolve things, fast.

Mackenzie’s a lawyer, not a detective. Cracking this fiendishly clever killing, with its list of suspects that reads like a who’s-who of Valley power players, should be way out of her league.

Except that Mackenzie’s used to being underestimated. In fact, she’s counting on it.

Because the way she sees it, this isn’t an investigation. It’s an opportunity. And she’ll do anything it takes to seize it.

Anything at all.

Featuring jaw-dropping twists and a wily, outsider heroine you can’t help rooting for, Dead Money is a brilliant sleight-of-hand mystery. Written by a longtime insider, it is also a dead-on snapshot of the Valley’s rich and famous—and a glimpse at the darkness lurking behind the tech world’s cheery facade.

Thrilling Reads Review:
Explore the Dark Side of Silicon Valley in Dead Money

Dead Money by Jakob Kerr: A Twist-Filled Tech Thriller

My latest book review and first of 2025 is Jakob Kerr’s Dead Money takes readers deep into the shadowy, high-stakes world of Silicon Valley, where big money, cutting-edge technology, and deadly secrets collide. This twisty thriller centers around Mackenzie Clyde, a sharp and resourceful lawyer (though she bristles at being called a fixer), who works for the ruthless venture capitalist Roger Hammersmith. When the CEO and co-founder of one of tech’s hottest startups is found murdered, and the San Francisco police seem to be spinning their wheels, Roger tasks Mackenzie with solving the problem.

Teaming up reluctantly with an FBI Special Agent who’s not thrilled about working alongside a corporate lawyer, Mackenzie dives into an intricate and dangerous investigation. The plot weaves back and forth in time, creating a layered mystery that requires close attention but rewards readers with a richly detailed story. While the book has a slow-burn pace rather than nonstop action, Kerr’s writing and the depth of the characters kept me engaged until the very last page.

As a San Francisco resident, I particularly enjoyed the book’s setting, which felt vividly authentic and added another layer of intrigue to the story. The novel also explores timely themes like the influence of venture capital, advanced AI technology, and the morally murky world of Silicon Valley billionaires. But rather than preaching, Kerr uses these elements to raise thought-provoking questions about what’s on the horizon.

Dead Money is a smart, twist-laden thriller that peels back the polished surface of the tech world to reveal a gritty, dangerous underbelly. With its compelling characters, intricate mystery, and timely themes, this book is a must-read for fans of slow-burn suspense.

It's safe to say that Alan Petersen loves mystery and thriller books. He writes high-octane thrillers, hosts the MEET THE THRILLER AUTHOR podcast, and reviews thriller/mystery books.

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